According to my Amazon Alexa, Love is “an intense feeling, affection, attachment, or devotion.” Jay Shetty in his newest book: 8 Rules of Love, explains love as flower that must be watered, given sunlight, soil, and given daily effort. February was truly a lovely month. There are many ways I could define love this month.
Love is when your students know you’re being observed by your principal for a big evaluation, and they do everything they can to make sure it’s the best experience for you and your principal. They did exactly this, and then the next day when I told them how incredibly pleased my principal was and I broke down in tears in front of them. Without them that lesson couldn’t have been great.
Love is when you go to the beach and read until your heart can’t stop …or until your sunburn kicks in. February started my first beach trip this year. I planned my weekend accordingly, even getting in all my prep work done on Friday and Saturday night so I could get to the beach early. I had a great time soaking up the rays and getting in some much needed time. I finished my fifth book this year and even facetimed my best friend. Those things brought me so much love.
Love is calling your best friend at 5:00am est (4:00am cst) because they asked to hold them accountable to get them out of bed so they can get their workout done at the gym. Then the following the day, they text you reminding you to get out bed, so you do. Love is getting out of bed so you can go get your workout, devotion, and breakfast in because you know it’ll make you a more lovely person.
Love is leaving after your contract hours so you can relax and get your personal errands done. Lately this has been the case. Never in my career have I left three times within a week right after my contract hours finished to go do things that bring me love. I’ve rarely ever done this…and let me tell you, it’s a great feeling! I make sure to get my prep work done ahead of time so I can leave right away. Try it! You won’t want to stop.
Love is teaching Saturday School. Hear me out…not just Saturday school, SCIENCE Saturday school! Teaching fifth graders each Saturday has been fantastic and when you add in I can teach however I want, not just by the word for word guided curricula book, you’re just begging to bring out my inner kid. Our school has been my playground on Saturdays…literally! During the first Saturday I taught about speed, direction, force, position, and gravity we ran around the cafeteria, then around the school, and into an unlocked classroom where teachers were teaching as we chanted about our vocabulary words as we ran. Then we created courses out of tape, butcher paper, and anything around we could find to move our lego piece through the course. My scientists commented, “I rather be here than watching cartoons.” That was a big compliment.
Love is getting up on the one day you could sleep in (Sunday), but you rather get in your weekly long run, bright and early before the rest of the world wakes up because you are determined to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Sunday morning runs are something I look forward to. Love is also getting in your post run rehab, drinking more water, and eating more fruits despite your strong urge to skip. Love is also trying a 15-mile trail run, falling twice blooding your leg and knee, but getting up anyway, smiling, and finishing what you started.
Love is spontaneously scheduling a trip to go visit your best friend because seeing them once a year is just not enough and it’ll give you something fun to look forward to. Then rescheduling to make it an even longer trip. THEN scheduling more trips and facetimes together. It’s buying the same book so you can read it together. It’s the late-night texts and phone calls, even though you’re both teachers and should be fast asleep. It’s the early morning phone calls. It’s the advice you ask for because you know they’ll give you tough love.
Love is waving at a stranger.
Love is reading a book.
Love is listening and waiting for your turn to talk.
Love is eating candy and soda and not feeling sorry.
Love is calling your parents.
Love is making eye contact.
Love is apologizing when you make a mistake.
Love is taking a nap as an adult. (THE BEST FEELING!)
Love is jamming out to music at a stoplight.
Love is eating lunch with your students.
Love is showing patience and forgiveness.
Love is making time for yourself.
Love is moving on as necessary.
Love is typing a blog.
Love is infinite.
As you can see love is so many things! Love takes daily effort. When we love more, we receive love back. It’s extraordinary what can when we share our love with ourselves and the world. Love is extremely powerful. I love giving love! I hope you had a lovely February!
